It is common to believe that a fright or an upset that affects the mother can cause the breasts to “dry out” and not produce milk , which in some cases motivates weaning. Many women take care of suffering upset for fear of this happening, but although it is very good and it is important to avoid stress, sometimes situations overwhelm us.
Can receiving bad news or leading a strong argument affect the mother to the point of not having more milk for her baby? In other words, can you cut your breast milk because of a disgust?
The answer is no . It is one of the many myths that surround breastfeeding. However, it may happen that in certain situations the woman suffers a stress situation that prevents the milk from coming out momentarily .
Why is it produced? When a woman experiences a stressful situation, her body responds by generating adrenaline and cortisol, which in turn act by inhibiting oxytocin, a hormone that intervenes in the milk ejection reflex. This causes the baby to suck the milk to come out more slowly . It is not that there is no milk, but that it comes out with greater difficulty.
On the other hand, it must be taken into account that the bond between the mother and the baby is so strong that the baby perceives the mother’s feelings. If she is worried or distressed, the child may notice a change in affectivity and be upset and irritated, which adds further distress to the mother.
To do? It is not a reason to wean. It is a momentary situation that is resolved as soon as the woman calms down. Therefore, first of all you should try to relax, be patient and continue to offer the breast on demand .
Find a quiet place to breastfeed your baby, put on music, dim lighting, seek intimacy with your little one and focus on the power you have to feed your baby, allow your milk to flow. It is very important to put the baby to the breast frequently so that his suction stimulates the production of oxytocin. If he is upset that the milk won’t come out, reassure him with cuddles, caresses, and gentle words.
You will see how with patience and affection the situation is regularized and breastfeeding returns to normal.
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In Babies and more | Myths about breastfeeding: “If you breastfeed you can hardly take medicine”, Specialist consultants also transmit myths about breastfeeding
